Further signs that the snowsport season is nearing is the upcoming ski sap programs, leading off with the University of Nevada, Reno affair Nov. 8-10.
This will be held at the Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall in Reno starting at 1 p.m. It's an extra $50 for an early bird admission of 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. After 6 p.m. Friday it's $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-12.
Saturday and Sunday tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for children. Those under 5 are admitted free. With the $5 tickets you'll receive 2-for-1 lift tickets for Donner Ski Ranch or Tahoe-Donner, limit one per person per day.
Registration to offer gear is from Thursday Nov. 7 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 8 to 10 a.m. Enter the west entrance to the Events Center and swap people will assist with pricing. Unsold gear must be picked up before 8 p.m. Sunday and unclaimed items will be donated to the Nevada ski team.
This is a benefit for the Nevada ski team. Questions, call Erica Hopper at (775) 825-6555,
This is a major swap event with some 15,000 new and used items of alpine and nordic skis, boots, poles, snowboards, clothing and more. Raffles will be held for lift tickets and a grand prize ski or snowboard package.
Then there's the Tahoe's biggest Nordic Ski Swap Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area, 925 Country Club Drive, Tahoe City.
Selling equipment? Turn in your skate skis, classic skis, backcountry skis, bindings, boots, poles, snowshoes and other Nordic items on Friday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The XC Ski Swap is a fund-raiser for the Tahoe Cross Ski Education Association. Volunteers are needed. Call (530) 583-5475. On the Web check info@tahoexc.org.
HOUSING HELP
Sierra-at-Tahoe is offering free lift tickets to those who offer accommodations to employees this season. It's the second annual Rental Rewards deal. It's an attempt to help ease the housing shortage facing resort employees.
Ten lift tickets will be issued for the first employee at a housing unit and five more for each additional employee bunking there.
To sign up contact Sierra's Employee Services Department, (530) 659-7453, ext. 147.
SQUAW DISCOUNT PROGRAM
Ski and snowboard Squaw Valley USA for only $48 this season by joining the Squaw Valley Corporate Discount Program.
This savings program gives large and small companies, groups of friends and families a way to enjoy the slopes of Squaw Valley USA all winter at a discounted rate.
The deadline for enrollment in this season's program is Oct. 31.
To take advantage of the program simply get a group together and purchase an initial order of 50 tickets at the discounted rate of $48 per ticket before Oct. 31 As an added bonus, for every 25 new tickets ordered Squaw Valley will throw in one additional complimentary lift ticket. All tickets include free night skiing and riding (when night operations are open). Reorders can be made as needed throughout the season.
Corporate vouchers are valid every day of the season and are fully transferable so they can be used as gifts, company incentives and more.
Unused tickets retain their original value and can be turned in with a ticket order for the following season or they can be used to enjoy summer High Camp Activity Packages.
Visit www.squaw.com or call (530) 583-6985.
SILVER LEGACY DEALS
The Silver Legacy in Reno is offering accommodations with extras that might appeal to your out-of-state ski and snowboard visitors. For $59 a night, double occupancy, guests enjoy Legacy rooms, an all-day lift ticket to one of several resorts, food credits and round trip transportation to the resort of their choice.
Have your guests check with the Legacy at (800) 687-8733 or on the web at www.silverlegacy.com.
HUH?
The Sierra Ski Marketing Council writes that it is "implementing a highly leveraged national marketing program designed to reach a greater number of winter destination visitors." Big news, right?
The council notes that it has a great copy line: "Clearly, Nature's finest hour." If that isn't exactly what your average snowboarder thinks about when he or she gets ready to buy his or her airplane tickets I'd be amazed.
As one who has put in time in the ad trenches, I always thought that the more specific your offer, the better the response. Glittering generalities just don't seem to work. Oh, well, maybe that's why I'm in the news business rather than the ad game.
Sam Bauman is the Nevada Appeal Diversions Editor.